Curator’s statement
When taking a weekend or mid-week cruise to Mexico from Los Angeles, Ensenada may be one of your stops. A visit to La Bufadora in Ensenada, Mexico, is a fascinating experience that combines a natural wonder with a bustling market. It’s a popular excursion for a reason, but it’s helpful to know what to expect before you go.
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La Bufadora, a natural marine geyser, is one of Ensenada’s most famous attractions and is a popular destination from the port. Getting to La Bufadora is a relatively straightforward journey from Ensenada, and you have a few options depending on your preference for cost, convenience, and independence. The drive itself is quite scenic, taking you south out of the city. It is best to take a shuttle tour if you are on a cruise excursion. It is about an hour round trip, so plan your visit early in the day to allow time to return to the ship and any in-town shopping or walking around the port area.
When arriving at the cruise port in Ensenada, you have a few convenient options for getting around the city. The port is very close to the downtown area, so you can easily explore on your own or book a tour. Downtown Ensenada is a short and pleasant walk from the cruise port. The walk is about a 15- to 20-minute stroll. After exiting the main port gate, you can turn left and walk toward the waterfront boardwalk, also known as the Malecón, which is marked by a very large Mexican flag. This path will lead you directly into the main downtown area, a hub for shopping and dining.
Shuttles are another option. When our family took the Carnival Horizon for a mid-week cruise from Los Angeles, there was a shuttle service (Misioneros) for passengers, which is a quick way to get into the heart of the city. The cost was $4 for a round-trip ticket. We were dropped off at Three Head Park (Tres Cabezas Civic Parque) across from McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Many tour operators offer excursions specifically to La Bufadora, which include transportation directly from the port. You can book a La Bufadora tour from your cruise line or from a supplier online. We took a tour from the city center, operated by the port shuttle company Misioneros. It was $25 per person with a tour guide. We ended up in a small group of 12 in a Mercedes Sprinter Van. Our tour guide, Cesar, was excellent. He kept us together through the flea market and down to the blowhole. We then had 45 minutes for shopping, tequila tasting, and cocktails from a vendor he recommended. The added perk was that this location had the only free bathroom in the area. Cesar also cautioned us about fake leather and silver purchases. One stop of note was Pueblo Bonito for a tequila tasting. We were given a sticker for five free tastes of tequila. After the tequila tasting, it ended up with pricey purchase offers that we declined. Note that there are some reviews about price gouging, so buyer beware.
Entering flea market
The blowhole itself
La Bufadora is a marine geyser, one of the largest in North America. The name “La Bufadora” translates to “the snorting one,” which is a perfect description of the thunderous roar you hear as the waves crash into a sea cave, forcing a powerful blast of seawater high into the air. The height of the spray, which can reach up to 100 feet, depends on the tide and wave conditions. The viewing area is on a concrete platform, offering an excellent vantage point for watching the spectacle. The sound and sight are truly impressive, and you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready. Be prepared to get a little wet, especially if you’re close to the railing!
Blowhole from platform above
Blowhole splash
Approach to blowhole viewing area
Blowhole viewing area
Coastline
Need to know
The Blowhole Flea Market
The walk from the parking area to the blowhole is a "gauntlet" of vendors, affectionately (or sometimes not-so-affectionately) known as the Blowhole Flea Market. This is a full-sensory experience with hundreds of vendors lining a narrow, winding street.
Here, you’ll find everything from traditional Mexican handicrafts and pottery to silver jewelry, leather goods, and an array of souvenirs. You'll also encounter plenty of food stalls, where you can sample fresh fish tacos, churros, and local candies. Many vendors offer free tequila and liquor tastings, which can be a fun part of the experience.
A key part of navigating the market is being prepared for a bit of a high-pressure sales environment. Vendors can be quite vocal, trying to draw you into their shops. A polite “No, gracias” and continuing to walk is a perfectly acceptable way to handle it. Don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price, as it’s an expected part of the shopping culture here. Bringing small US bills is highly recommended, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.
Travel Advisor
Clifford Seymour
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